A BOURNEMOUTH councillor who called for the courts to get tough with the town's firework night yobs has hit out at the first penalty imposed.

Cllr David Smith had previously called for anyone convicted of taking part in the violence that followed Bournemouth's Friday night firework displays to receive "more than just a slap on the wrist".

But a 15-year-old who admitted verbally abusing a police officer was given a three-month referral order at Poole Youth Court and ordered to pay £43 costs.

Cllr Smith said: "It once again shows how leniency shown by the courts doesn't send a clear message to youths causing mayhem.

"It's about time the judiciary started imposing appropriate sentences which reflect society's disapproval of such behaviour.

"Fifteen-year-olds should know right from wrong and abusing police officers, physically or verbally is not acceptable."

The court heard the teenager was questioned by police at Pier Approach on August 10 just before 11pm, after noticing two youths screaming at each other.

They told the offender to "calm down" but were subjected to a tirade of abuse by the youngster, who admitted having drunk three cans of beer.

Tessa Cordy, representing the prosecution, said: "It should have been a night to enjoy for local people, families and tourists, who were just beginning to disperse after the fireworks.

"Unfortunately it is a night that in recent weeks has been causing concern because of the incidents of anti-social behaviour."

She added: "There was a huge group of youths and he was shouting at them to come on'.

"They started to become agitated and there must have been members of the public still around."

The youth was ordered to attend Bournemouth and Poole Youth Offending Team meetings for the next three months.

l Friday night's final fireworks display passed off peacefully, according to Dorset police.

A spokesman said: "We had a couple of police horses from the Avon and Somerset force at the Pier Approach to support our own units.

"A lot of people turned out for the display but there weren't any major problems with just one arrest for breach of bail."

Head of tourism, Mark Smith, described the final fireworks display as a "safe and family fun occasion".